Rabba Mere Kya Hai Tere Marzi?

Part 28 (i)

Arshi entered Shantivan surprised, as she was welcomed with silence, considering there was a celebration in the house. Yes, she knew she was late and had even informed the family of the same, giving them the green signal to continue without her, much to their dismay. But to be welcomed with silence was really unlike her family, especially on the occasion of Akash Machu and Payal Chasi's anniversary.

She made her way to the hall and found her family congregated there, watching Akash's and Payal's dance. Not wanting to confront them with her bloodshot eyes, she escaped to her room, not even acknowledging her grandparents' arrival from Lucknow. However, her presence didn't escape two pairs of hawk eyes. Ayaksh was fuming at his sister's lack of sentiment and punctuality and now to see her act in abandon only added fuel to the blazing fire.

Upon seeing his wife running around like a butterfly, busying herself in the preparations, he couldn't help but wonder what it would of been like many years ago, when he had coerced her into marrying him, that too for six months ,on the most important day of his brother's life. What she must of felt? Being contracted to him for six months just because he was under the assumption that Khushi, the love of his life was in a relationship with... When Arshi conveyed his past to him, he felt disgusted.

Suddenly all the preparations and this surprise felt like a punishment and had dawned all the gloominess upon him. He glanced at her and saw that her gaze was on his brother and sister-in-law who were dancing in each other's embrace. He was sure there was a glimpse of longing in those beautiful hazel eyes. He then looked at himself and saw, nothing she deserves. Damn he can't even stand properly without the help of those damn crutches...

Arnav didn't inform Khushi about his visit to the hospital with Arshi. He tried his best not to breakdown in front of Aarav's lifeless body. He only wished to be in his place now. He blamed himself for his son's state. He couldn't help but wonder was this the reason for Khushi's and Arshi's aloofness from him in these two years. He felt guilt and the insecurity resurge through him.

"Am I so bad? Yes! I deserve this hatred, this indifference! This punishment is nothing in front of what Khushi and Arshi suffered." Arnav thought.

However much he tried to convince himself of his punishment, he could not stand the mere thought of them hating him. Moreover, Arshi's indifference did not settle well with him at all.

What Arnav didn't know was that Arshi was fighting her own battles, resulting in her aloofness, which he mistook for her indifference.

Arshi's room

Arshi sat on the bed with her head in her hands. Her thoughts racing through her mind.

Urghh!!!

Today...Today was supposed to be her Machu and Chasi's anniversary and what did she do, she immersed herself in a whole session of self pity and loathing. Missing out on their special day. She along with her siblings had so many plans regarding their important day.

"Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!" she cursed.

She remembered how everyone fussed over the couple at the breakfast table, bestowing them with their best wishes and blessings. It was then that her Akash Machu conveyed his plan of taking Payal chasi out, but unfortunately his plan was blankly dismissed by the family as they brought up their family date. Akash could tell that his children were all set to punish him for his rejection and lack of sentiment towards their mother.

She smiled at how dramatic her family can be. They pretended to be disappointed with Akash, without hinting anything about their surprise.

Distraught on not being able to spend time together, the couple left to their respective offices. Then again Bhai ki bhaat koi nahi daalti! Period!
(No one disobeys a brother's word!)